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Do dogs sweat?

Species: Dog
Breed: mixed
Age: 5-8 years
Zoe, our chow mix, never pants. When our other dogs, after playtime, are laying around with their tongues hanging out, she just lays there with a shiny, wet sheen on her coat. Can dogs sweat?




Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks for an interesting question!

What you are seeing is definitely not sweat. Dogs can sweat from their paw pads and do pant to help themselves cool down.

Dogs do have something similar to sweat glands on the rest of their body, but their purpose is not to cool dogs down and they don't release sweat. Instead, these glands are called apocrine glands and they release pheromones which are scent chemicals.

Hope that answers your question!

---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---


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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.